You were right to pepper your doctor with questions about the ADD meds he prescribed -- not because they're necessarily bad (some are absolutely necessary and healthy for many children with ADHD). But because it's our responsibility to know everything going into our children's bodies - and research the alternatives before making a decision. No harm can come from a second opinion, and I would also recommend these popular articles:

About ADHD Children: ADD Diagnosis and Treatment: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/934.html

Top 10 Questions about ADHD Medications... Answered!: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1592.html

Picking Professionals to Treat Your Child with ADHD: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/2534.html

Ask the Doctor: Critical Questions About ADHD Drugs: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1656.html

Treating ADHD with Behavior Therapy: An Alternative ADHD Treatment:http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/651.html

Can Diet Ease ADHD Symptoms? Nutrition As an Alternative Treatment: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/859.html

More about non-drug therapies: http://www.additudemag.com/topic_archives/adhd-treatment/alternative-adhd-therapies.html

I hope this helps!

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Hi! I hope I can be of some help. It sounds as if the doctor did not really take the time to explain more to you about ADHD. Since this was all new to you, he should have spent more time going over it and helping you to absorb and adjust to the new information. Unfortunately, some doctors are not very understanding.

It is true that medication is the only scientifically proven treatment that is effective 80 to 90% of the time. Behavioral therapy alone is not able to accomplish much but if used in conjunction with medication, it has better results. Diet is not a proven treatment against ADHD, although it is always good to have a healthy diet. Someone might see changes in some behavior with diet, if their child has a food allergy problem that is exacerbating the symptoms or causing other symptoms, in addition to the ADHD symptoms.

My son was diagnosed at 10 (six years ago) and treated with stimulant medication and my daughter, at age 20, suspected she had it as well. Both of them responded well to the medication and we have all noticed many benefits. In addition to being able to focus and concentrate, I didn't have to constantly remind my son to do his chores. He complied with my instructions immediately when he was on medication and sometimes he even did things before I asked him to or in addition to what I asked. His mood improved as well. He himself noticed that he was not as easily angered when he was on the medication and his frustration level decreased.

My husband was diagnosed a few years later (we knew but he didn't want to acknowledge it) and although initially resistant to the idea of medication, he was amazed at the results. He couldn't believe how well he could concentrate and focus with the medication.

Just last month I realized I had it as well. Because of my high intelligence and coping skills, along with my anxiety, many of the symptoms were not as obvious. I had always felt I wasn't as intelligent as my IQ would indicate. That for some reason, I wasn't able to accomplish as much as others. What was wrong with me that I couldn't do things that others could do even though I was intelligent?

I couldn't believe some of the differences when I started medication. I was able to process things more quickly and prioritize my work. My reading comprehension was incredible and I felt smarter. I could express myself better and organize my thoughts more efficiently. My self confidence improved dramatically. I only regret that I didn't find out sooner (I'm almost 48). So many lost opportunities. If I could go back 20 years or so, I would love to go back to school and become a neuropsychiatrist. I can comprehend and understand so much more now. And now I know I do possess the intelligence and ability to do that. I just don't have the time or money to do so now. And not at the expense of my family and the other responsibilities that I now have.

You and your child are fortunate that you have discovered this so early in her life. She will be able to accomplish so much more in life and her self-esteem will not suffer as mine did.

Does your daughter have the inattentive type of ADHD or does she have the hyperactivity as well? My husband has the hyperactive type but my children and I have the inattentive type.

Good luck, Elaine

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I agree that you were right in asking questions. I've dealt with neurologists before and my experience has been they are very lacking in bedside manner. If you are going to see your regular doctor, ask the same questions of them and you will likely get some answers. Good luck to you.

Mary Ellen

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